Better Banking Begins with Us!

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of a fraudulent e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC.

The e-mail appears to be sent from “alert@fdic.gov” and includes a subject line that states: “FDIC: Your business account.”

The e-mail is addressed to “Dear Business Customer” and states “We have important information about your financial institution. Please click here to find details.” It then states, “This includes information on the acquiring bank (if applicable), how your accounts and loans are affected, and how vendors can file claims against the receivership.”

This e-mail and link are fraudulent. Recipients should consider the intent of this e-mail as an attempt to collect personal or confidential information, or to load malicious software onto end users’ computers. Recipients should not click on the link provided.

The FDIC does not issue unsolicited e-mails to consumers or business account holders.

The following is the 3rd in a series of tips to assist you in protecting your personal information.

Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.

* Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:

* Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

* Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)

* TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copiesof your credit report. Look for inquiries from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts you didn’t open, and debts on your accounts that you can’t explain.

* Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.

* Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.

* Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.

* Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.

* Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.

* File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.

* Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.

* Your credit report. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history.

* The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it.

* Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by these three companies, to order your free credit reports each year. You also can write: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name.

Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information.

* Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.

* Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.

* Don’t give out personal informtion on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.

* Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnguardOnline.gov for more information.

* Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of you Social Security number.

* Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your home.